Author Jess Granger recently started a #TheRatIsHot campaign on Twitter, in support of a story for Teijan. She even wrote a haiku to convince me. I thought you'd all enjoy reading it!
Rat
by Jess Granger
Stealthy in darkness,
Your silent invasion each night
You take what you want
So, what are your views on Teijan?
130 comments:
I would definitely love to read a book with Teijan as the main character. I'd also love to read a book that has another shifter other than wolves or leopards.
Totally was just thinking I would like a book about Teijan as I reread KoS last night.
Yeah, totally.
I mean, it would be really interesting to read from a different perspective than the SnowDancers, or the DarkRiver packs--yet still from a shapeshifter point of view.
Not only the rats, but also the other clans. I know Adam, the alpha of WindHaven--the falcons--was really interesting, as well.
I'm in, in reality when I was readinh KoS I thought about Teijan (just like @cathor), also I would like to see a story by the rats' eyes
I'm going to throw in another yes vote for Teijan.
Wouldn't mind something with Adam either.
That is a tricky, tricky thing. Really like Teijan as Teijan - holds his own, strong and determined. But part of the changeling appeal is the awe of their animal form. Pet the pretty leopard? I'm there. Fear the ferocious wolf? Yup. Scream and grab the broom when I saw the twitchy rat? Probably. Not sure how that would work for me, unfortunately.
Well, since I started this mess, I feel compelled to state my reasons why I'm so hung up on Teijan.
Manly physical studmuffin stuff is one thing, but I love characters that hinge on intelligence. Teijan is the ultimate spy, and I think there's a level of sophistication to his spy network we haven't realized before this point in KOS.
Sure, the bigger critters can fight, but he can offer them something no one else can, and through the sharpness of his mind and value of his connections alone, he has the potential to save the day for the creatures that are so much "physically" stronger, because he is the ultimate symbol of the creature that is underestimated.
Pair him with a heroine that can take his ability to a more strategically aggressive and sneaky level, and you have the potential for some awesome trouble.
So, if you take the rat form aside and look at Teijan as an intelligence operative, here's what makes him sexy. He's sleek, sharp-witted and probably a wicked Charmer. He'd only move when the moment was right to do so, and even as a man he'd be able to make himself invisible.
He could sneak up on you, surprise you, steal your heart like a thief in the night and not repent for a minute that he's done so.
He's got a sexy goth/punk edge and the sheer balls to stand toe to toe with the two alphas and know his own worth to them.
And yet, he's going to have natural hang ups. Rats too often get the bad rap, and are used to saying well, screw it. We'll get along on our own then.
All this intrigues me. I can't stop thinking about him. But then I love a smart Bad Boy with loads of charm and a Punk attitude.
Hawke barely made an appearance as a wolf in this last book, so it's not like he has to change into a rat every other chapter. Only when he has to sneak off someplace and it becomes very cool to have something so sneaky around for tactical reasons.
The rest of the time just focus on gleaming intellectual genius, charm, and mystery.
Yeah, I'm on team Teijan
Jess, you make a compelling case. He probably is sexy, sleek and sharp-witted but I still gotta say. . . dude is a rat! . . . Sorry!
Now, Cooper and Grace? That's a story I would love to read.
Sorry but I'm with Kaleigha on this one. Teijan as the man, sexy. Teijan as a rat, eh not so much. I would like to see more about the bird shifters.
Uh...he`s a rat...
NO offense..gals...when I see a REAL rat...i scream bloody murder and run the other way...!
They really freak me out!
I think I prefer to read about wolves, cats and birds...
(cough) mostly...KIT !!!!!....
who`s the lucky gal...I have a feeling she is going to Psych...as it seem like all the alpha mate with psych...LoL....I love that pairing
Love him! Want to know more about him. He is like one of those wicked smart spymasters you see in movies.
After reading Jess's points I really wouldn't mind reading a book about Tejan. I was a bit irked by the rat angle but I think if anyone could make it work it would be Nalini.
I'd be fine if he just had a secondary romance, but he's too cool to live the rest of his life unloved, because I see the potential to win a girl over there, especially if she's a little punk.
And I'm a bit baffled. People scream bloody murder because of a rat around, but you wouldn't freak out if there was a wolf or leopard in your house? Because if there were either a wolf or a leopard in my immediate vicinity, I'd feel a whole heck of a lot more terrified than a rat.
Hmmm,I'm undecided. I like his character a lot, but he's a rat ... Usually they just freak me out, and they aren't appealing like the leopards, wolves, and birds .... Gosh, I feel completely prejudice now. :-/ (That's not good.) Maybe you should write it Nalini. You'll get to change how the world sees rats, lol.
I agree with Jess, Teijan is smart, elegant, clever and sexy - there is a lot of room for a hot romance in here!
I agree. I would like to read more about Teijan... I think he deserves a Happy ending.
I would like to see him being mated to a cat... now that would be interesting! A cat and a rat...:D
Maggie.
Well, Teijan as a man is quite hot, yes. Teijan as a rat - depends... We have not seen him as a rat till now only as a human.
I would like to see more of the rats and their clan, especially because it seems to me that the structure of the rat-pack is wider than the leopards and the wolfs.
So for me it is definitly a yes to Teijan. Chase and catch a mate for him should be quite fun.
I would love to read a book about Teijan. The idea of a rat kind of gives me the creeps with the beady eyes if I think about the actual animal, but I think an actual leopard in my face would be just a bit more scary than a rat scampering across the floor. Though, I did read a book about large rats that has scarred me; however, there is Splinter (who is awesome). I think it Nalini Singh writes it, it will be good. Therefore, I am definitely looking for a story with him.
As I was reading KoS, there was a line with him having a soft spot for someone, and I immediately lit up at the prospect of the two of them together. It would be so wrong, but right--perfect. Both are sneaky, living in shadows, but have an image for everyone to see.
Anyway, this is me showing support for Teijan. ^^
I'm with Kaleigha. When I think of romance with a rat, there is an ick factor involved. The only mate I could probably tolerate for Teijan would be another rat. I could consider possibly a secondary story in a full length novel or maybe a novella, though I must admit the thought does not thrill me. There are way to many other characters I want to read about before I'm interested in Teijan as a main character, e.g., Nikita, Kaleb, the Ghost (if not Kaleb), Vasic, to name a few.
Vampires and wolves overcrowd the paranormal romance genre, if you can manage to make a rat hot then totally! I enjoy his appearances in the series.
I don't think Teijan is interesting enough to be a main character in a book.
Characters whose stories I'd like to read:
- Kit
- Nikita
- One of the falcons
- Ben or Toby (grown up)
- The pack's historian
The #1 story I wanted to read, ever since Lucas' story was Hawke. Now that I read it I feel accomplished!
PS: It would be AWESOME to get a story about one of the water changelings. A dolphin changeling? A mix of Flipper and Little Mermaid? Awwww!
And as someone mentioned... the Ghost! He'd make a very interesting main character too!
Hm, I actually got to admit that I have to agree with Kaleigha says, cause for the thing that´s so fascinating about the whole Psy/Changeling series is the animal form of the characters and therefore it´s a bit difficult for me to imagine reading a book bout rats/snakes/fish etc.
And then there´s the fact that I love SnowDancer and DarkRiver far too much to "leave" them and focus on another changeling group just yet......what I would like is when Teijan got a side story in one of the next books like Lara and Walker had in Kiss of Snow, because I really loved that!
I've always really liked Teijan and would love to see him get a short story or something of this own. Jess makes some awesome points about his potential as a main character and besides I've always thought rats are kinda cute.
I'm in the Teijan needs love, too camp. Rat or not, the guy has some moves and should be given the chance to exercise them.
hot hot hot! I love that of all the shapeshifters, they appear to have had it the most difficult and have struggled to where they are now - a valuable commodity to both other packs. REALLY want to know more :)
totally on side with Jess, she makes some good points - smart, sexy and sneaky.
I am all for it, I loved that hot Rat
I love pretty much everything Nalini writes and I think that I would not mind reading a book about Teijan but, only if its a novela or secondary story like (Lora and Walker). The only reason that I feel like there's so many others that would like read about such as the ghost, Vasic, Kaleb,Aden, Adam,Nakita, Anthony, Kit, and of course the other Snow dancer lieutenants( especially Matt(can't what's whole name ) he's the that told Hawke chasing women is not to be done, he seems really interesting learn more about.
Kit please! And believe it or not - Kaleb!
I totally agree with Jess, Teijan would make an awesome main character.
And tough I see the point with the rat thing as far as it's not an animal as impressive as a wolf or leopard, it appeals to me that many of you tend to see rats as Hollywood shows them: ugly, dirty, wet, with mud brown fur(or really muddy)and yellow teeth and simply creepy, scampering around in dark corners.
That would have an ick factor without a doubt.
But when would any changeling ever look like that when in animal form?
So, why don't you try to see rats the way they look like when you e.g. buy them as pets? Neat, with fur of many different pretty colours, beady eyes and an almost friendly and definitely intelligent expression. I think Elise and Cony are right, rats are actually really cute and Nalini sure could show them in the best light anyway.
Furthermore, the rats are close enough to both DR and SD that we wouldn't "leave" the two packs too abruptly. We still would get to hear a lot more of the lieutenants, sentinels, their alphas and their mates. Since I have to admit that I'm not quite ready to "leave" the wolves and leopards yet that's important to me, too.
For my part, both thumbs up for Teijan!^^
@Anon - I agree, rodents are cute and when I think of them as heros I remember The Secret of Nimh, but from a romance perspective...well, maybe a little icky. I am however fascinated with the rat society. Nalini said it's made up of many humans. We haven't seen a human/human pairing yet, I'd love to see that match up in order to experiance life inside the rat society and maybe see Teijan as a secondary story like everyones saying.
I agree with Jess - I'd scream louder if I saw a wolf or a leopard in the house. Besides, the rat (rodent) family is huuuuge. Chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, all part of the rodent family. I'd rather be in the face of rats than within 100 feet of predators.
That said, I love Teijan - his intelligence, his dedication to his pack, his loyalty to his homeland - what's not to love?
I thought I saw a spark of something between him and Nikita, but I could be wrong. I think this brilliant changeling definitely stands on his own and should have a story in his name. Pairing-wise, Psy would be my first choice for him, the cerebral changeling. But if not, I'd like to see him paired with a bird or a cat. The imbalance would cause some serious chuckles on my end.
Go Teijan!
I think he deserves a book!
While reading Kiss of Snow I had the little idea of him and Nikita (don't really think it's possible, but it would be funny)
The other view on the story would be great too. (a view from beneath :-) )
He is not only totally sneaky, his love for his people and his honor are apparent as well. Yes, he totally deserves a story, not only the position of a small side character.
Would love to read a story on teijan as well
Maybe a short story or a secondary romance? Because of the rat thing. Sorry, even though Teijan the man is intriguing. Yes, a leopard or a wolf in the house would be extremely alarming, but I'd still wish it were possible for me to connect with such an amazing animal. Rat, not so much.
And here's another vote for the Cooper and Grace story...
nope, no rat sex. i see that someone mentioned nikita and i agree think sasha's mom and faith's dad need to get together. but i guess that would be the end of it all and i am not yet ready for that to happen.
I'd like to see Teijan get his own mate, probably in a short story. I'm not sure about a full book, but as a secondary romance that would work. I'm not crazy about rats but I trust Nalini! I'm also curious about the Rats in general since they are a mix of humans and changelings. There are supposed to be only 3 actual rat changelings after all in that pack. There's the short story/vignette on Nalini's website or in one of the books that gives such a peek at Teijan as babysitter :). Also the bit about the plans they had if the cats had come down on them.... Yes, the more I think about it, the more interested I get in a Teijan story!
I think the anti-rat bias is one of the most compelling things about Teijan. In a way, he is the most "werewolf" of all the characters in the series. So far, we haven't ever had a character with a well and true bias against a shifter because of their secondary form.
In old skool werewolf stories, the animal form of the man was horrifying, but the character sought love anyway. Look at the classic Beauty and the Beast story, or Phantom of the Opera. Loving the unlovable is a classic tale. So far, the only prejudice we've seen faced in the series is against Psy. I think Teijan has the potential to open up a whole new can of worms.
At some point, he will have to convince someone to look past their preconceived notions. He'll have to stand and say, I can't help what I am. I can only take what I've been given in life and make the very best of it. No matter what the world says, I have worth. I know my own value and I want you to know it too. If you love me, you have to love all of me in spite of everything.
Then have his talents and charm be such that they outshine everything else about him. So when she is confronted with "Ew, you're dating the RAT?!?"
She can glow inside a little and say, "Yeah, and you know what? He's amazing."
Then that will force the rest of us to face our own prejudices in the form of that little internal voice that says, "Ew, you're dating the ... " fill in the blank, because we all have our own "Rat" in this world, unfortunately.
I like Teijan as part of the Psy-/Changeling world. And if Nalini would decide to write his love story. - I would read it and, of course, enjoy it.
But to picture his heroin ... Stroking his animal form ... from head to his thick tail. ... Probably during a underground walk. ... In a dark, foul-smelling pipe. ... Deep under the streets of San Francisco ... - Sorry Teijan. But no; not with a rat.
no, no, no rat love story....I like Teijan, but do not want to read a book about him....I would love to see a story about Kaleb, Cooper and Grace, and the other sexy wolves that we got to see in KOS.
Hi Nalini:
I would totally love to see the world through the Rats eyes. Just to keep the world of the changelings fresh and interesting. We've read a lot about the leopards and the wolves - why not other animals? Like the birds, or the changeling snake mentioned in MtP or even the deep sea animals?
I've actually been craving for a Teijan fix for a long time. I feel he is Uber sexy and smart and I remember a reference about his former lover in Mine to Possess, how he had to slit her throat because she had gone rogue. So I'm curious and would like to know more...
Please feed the hunger, Nalini!
Much as i love your books Nalini, i just couldn't get past the rat thing, sorry.
I'd love to read more about Teijan, Im sad he had to kill his mate but he's such an interesting character!!! It would be a good read
Teijan is crazy interesting as a character and if like to learn more about him... But as there main hero of a novel idk. coursei say that and IM pretty sure if nalini writes it, i'll read it.
Teijan,a very cool character. The short story that you wrote about him really made me curious to see more from this character.
I must be honest. I can't stand rats. And I loathe snakes. So reading about this type of changeling in a romantic context would not be for me. But, to each their own!
I'm sorry to be blunt but I think if Teijan was the protagonist of his own book within this series, I would cry. It would seriously ruin the experiance for me. I'm not all too interested in him as a protagonist, maybe a secondary romance though? The whole rat thing is a HUGE turn off.
Yes, yes, that probably is very shallow, but compared to a leopard, wolf, or falcon, I just think a rat is really out of place.
Within the main story line the rats play a great role, and it's always good to hear from them, as I love all aspects of Nalini's world and the characters within it.
I just really don't think I could stand a romance story about a rat.
Not really seeing it myself. Of couse it depends who you put him with and with Nalini writing it it would probably be fantastic anyway. But personally I am still waiting for COOP. Nalini, get all the other favourites out of the way first and then go for it! :)
I think Teijan should be a secondary romance or short story
not a main one
sorry just not that hugely interested in him, instead of describing beautiful mountains and forests, it would be mainly set in the sewage
and instead of a beautiful magical animal, it would be based on a rat. which excludes pairings with cat, wolf, falcon or other changlings we have come across since they wouldnt like the small spaces. so it would have to be based within the rat pack with another rat or human (maybe psy??) - meaning we wont really be seeing our two fav packs snowdancer or darkriver during the book, other than for an alpha meeting or something which would prob be with lucas, and i would like to see hawkes and sienna's realtionship grow like we have seen lucas and sascha's
so for me it would be interesting as a story in one of them books where you join with a few other authors, or do a story similar to how you presented tammys and nate
but not a full book for me personally
xx
Would totally love to read a story about Teijan, or maybe maybe as a secondary romance like Walker and Lara. I'm kinda meh about him being, well, a rat, even though I love his human persona, but if anyone can make it work, you can!
Doesn't Nakita Deserve A Rat?
Again, I'm a little baffled by the idea that the rats are living in the sewers.
When I imagine the rat's lair, I see the old BART tunnels with their twisting stations and interesting stairways converted into a labyrinth of elegance with the influx of money from Dark River.
Light and bright with hubs of tech to keep the information flowing, the humans that are down there are the outcasts of society, meaning the exceptionally creative people that don't fit in anywhere else. There are probably several untapped humans that should belong to Shine in the tunnels.
Imagine what they could do. What if they have taken all that is old and elegant about San Francisco, but has been discarded as the Psy took over the city and brought it down into the tunnels, refurbishing it and remaking it into an underground museum of the treasures of the city's past melded in new works of modern art.
The ultimate "pack rat" treasure trove of the city. A place where the discarded of society can express themselves freely, whatever is within them, and the result is beautiful.
Sure, it may be a little more urban, but it could be no less stunning.
I really like him. I wish you can write and story about him. He sounds very strong, very aplha. It doesn't bother me that he is a rat. He can be a white big sexy rat. It's not the animal is the character that attracts me to read his story. So I vote YES, please give him his story.
Once again, I think he should be given his happy ending, maybe a novella?
What about a poll, Nalini?
I'd like Teijan's book, I think it would be good to see things from the rats perspective, they were a big help to SD and DR during the fight against henry and his pure psy goons
Thumbs up for the rat. I would love to read about him.
I still agree with the points Jess is making. I was talking about this with my sister, and she pointed out how wolves and big cats are fluffy and exotic, not something we deal with regularly. Then, she pointed out how I would be more for the rat story, because I am a fan of the anime Fruits Basket (where characters are associated with animals of the zodiac and turn into them. The rat is actually adorable.)
I also thought about Sky High with the girl who turns into a ferret. It's more about the characters, how they associate and react to what they turn into than the animal form they have/take. It's part of who they are, but it's still the person inside, too.
Personally, I'm terrified of birds, but I would still love a falcon story. Maybe I would feel differently if there were pigeons. *Shudders*
Just had to counteract all the negative "ewww, rat" comments- I don't think I'd mind it at all. I'd love to see a story with Teijan. He's an interesting charter and leads a very different life from the shapeshifters we've seen so far. Lots of pressure on his shoulders as an alpha, with the threat of extinction (there are only like 3 of them!) and the dangers of being a non-predator shapeshifter but not really a passive/submissive peace-loving group like the deers. I'd read it!
I love all of Nalini's books especially psy/changeling but don't think I could really enjoy a story about rodents (I have a huge phobia about them especially rats yuck! It would cool to learn more about the falcons, and I think there more ofDarkRiver and SnowDancer too come
Sounds good to me. But seeing how I love everything from you I may be biased
As for the rat thing - Laurell K Hamilton made her rats HOTT I am sure you can do just as good or even better
Sorry rats are not sexy. Would be keen to learn more about Kaleb, Aden and Vasic, maybe with changelings
Uuuummmmm nope, not as a main character, I wouldn't mind reading his story as a secondary character, but I don't think Teijan is a strong enough lead to warrant his own book...please don't hate me ;0)
hey,why do some of you hate rats so much.I have a soft spot for them because of their intelligence and that beautiful dark eyes.So I like Teijan,I don't know about the book,maybe a novella more,you see,I am patiently waiting for book of Vasic! just want to get it faster :D
I like mice and rats. And it's the man in the love scenes, not the animal. Would love to see Teijan either get his own book, or like Lara and Walker, be the secondary love connection of a book.
Nalini can write it any way she wants and I'd love it.
In all fairness, I can see how some people would have a problem with rats. I'm hemophobic, (hugely so) and I absolutely don't get what the appeal is of going out with a 1000 year old dead guy with fangs that wants to suck your blood. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!
That is not sexy. In any way shape or form. I mean come, on. Living corpse, people, who wants to suck your blood.
Compared to that, a shape shifting rat is rather tame if you think about it.
So, what is or is not an ick factor can be manipulated if the circumstances of the story are right.
See Nalini now you've gone and done it. Some want Teijan and some don't. Yes he's a GQ kinda guy but it's like seeing snake shifters for me. But hey you want to do a draft copy and send it out to us, we're all on board.
Or as I have said before I'm in NZ in November and I can totally call by your place and read said draft.
Nope not out of my way at all, my husband loves an adventure. After all he drove 2 hours in peak hour trafic to pick up KOS 2 days before its official release because Rendeavous Romance in Melbourne got the release in early. And we got stuck in the Burnley tunnel which is all lit up so I managed to read quite a bit.
And if you could manage to throw something together about Vasic, that'd be really cool...
I second Jess, bring on Teijan's book!! The rat needs an HEA and I need to read it. :)
I have been convinced!- at first I was totally against reading about a rat, but now I would love to read Teijan's story!!! :)
I vote yes!
Watched a documentary once on rats, by the end of it I was absolutely amazed at what these creatures are capable of and how intelligent they are. Gave me a whole new respect for the rat.
Teijan, the man sounds intriguing; however, I'm thrown off by the rat concept and can't help but envision those rodents I encounter here on the subway tracks of NY. Still, I'd read anything you'd write and trust your talent in making even the most unsavory sewer rat oh so swoon-worthy.
Initially I was like, A rat? No, that would'nt do. But Jess's argument for it has me converted. It doesnt have to be a stand alone book as long as he gets his story and with the right sort of treatment (I totally trust Nalini for that) it could be a worthy story. And yes a rat changeling sould be as good if not better than a bloodsucking dead guy walking out of a rotting grave full of creepy crawlies.
I'd like to read Teijan's story, although if a full-length novel isn't feasible, I'd prefer a novella rather than a secondary plot line in another book.
I don't agree with the assumption that rats have to be crawling in the muck or live in the sewers. The BART tunnels in SF are sadly not as architecturally interesting as Jess Granger implies, but they'd probably spruce up well if refurbished by a dedicated group of creative, quirky people. I especially like the idea of the tunnels as a repository of vintage SF memorabilia, hidden away from the world Above.
For me, intelligence is one of the sexiest traits a man can display, surpassed only by devotion to the people under his care--two traits that the Rat alpha displays in abundance.
And while I'll second the fact that it's the man in the romantic scenes, not the rat, I'd also like to point out that rats don't have to be ugly. Teijan isn't a diseased street rodent, he's a healthy and well-groomed changeling (although I can't see him as a white rat. I've always pictured a soft brown, as in this picture: http://genome.ucsc.edu/images/Rattus_norvegicus.jpg ).
Nalini, if you do decide to write a story for Teijan, I'll happily read it. At the moment, he's far more compelling to me than the falcons, and I can't help but feel that Kaleb and the other Arrows are not quite ready for their stories to be told.
Off topic But I HAD to share:
http://static.handsoncards.com/site_media/images/blog/leopard_and_baby_rat1.jpg
It's Aneca and Tammy!
Yes!
Woves and leopards are pretty similar in the end - large predators. A book about a rat Changeling would be awesome - he's have all sorts of different qualities. Dominant, alpha he-man types are all very well, but I like some variety in my romance heroes. I've been hoping fora Teijan book, but I suspect with all the dissent here we'll only get a short story/novella.
hells yeah! bring Teijan on.
Loved Kiss of Snow (Read it twice on first sitting)!
I would vote yes to both a story about Teijan and a story about Adam. I love hearing about all the different clans :D
YES! YES!
I would definitely say yes to a book about Teijan. He is intelligent, asset to the wolves and leopards, and an interesting character. Nalini is a great writer and i have upmost confidence that she could make a great sexy story about a rat changeling. I understand why some would be turned off about the rat but I personally disagree. At first I was not scared of rats but also did not think about them as I do now after now having pet rats. Also even if I never owned a pet rat i love her writing and find the concept interesting and I do like the character therefore I feel that Nalini would find a way to write the story that would be a pleasant surprise. Couple points:
Rats in holloywood and rats that are usually seen are the ones that live in the wild in sewers and that are dirty, filthy but there is more to rats. I have had rats as pets that are extremely clean, intelligent, playful, funny, have distinct personalities, and can come in beautiful interesting colors. As far as the character of Teijan we do not know the rat form and if he had a story that does not need mean his rat form has to be everywhere but when necessary on missions. The abilities that the rat gives Teijan is such a powerful weapon that can be used my both packs. So if he had a story I think Nalini being the author she is will be able to still involve packs. We know also they operate in the sewers and underground but that does not mean that the lair is same.
A agree with Arlia that it would be nice to expand and explore the shapeshifter community and see other operations and perspectives on what makes the various clans coexist with the packs. I would like along with Teijan to see a story that involves the falcon group. Both stories would allow a further insight on the intelligence gathering that is given to the packs from the outside.
I agree with Jess Ganger.
Someone mentioned that is mate could be a cat which would be funny but no matter the mate I feel safe that Nalini will be able to pick a heroine that will be strong and challenge the idea of a rat not being sexy or being able to be the main hero.
Also no matter the decision by the author there are going to be some that like and some that do not as much as other books in the series. That is what makes great discussions the various few points. I look forward to the series continuing. It seems that with each book we see more and more the complexity of the changeling society and how emotions either help or hinder characters in the story. I would like a story also on the ghost, kit, Anthony, Vasic, and Nikita.
Sorry, no rats for me!
The leopards and the wolfs are big animals and the shifting makes sense somehow, if you know what I mean. Can you image a grown man shrinking down to the size of a rat?
Sexy?? Not! The heroine could put him in her handbag or something...
For me, the wolfs and leopards.. have something sensual about them and they're simply majestic and beautiful animals.
Although I agree that anyhow Teijan could be an interesting character ... for a short story, maybe?? :-)
Jayjay
The rat is so hot. He would be a demon in bed I'm sure. He needs to meet a nice sneaky girl.
Trust me I would be the first person to scream bloody murder when confronted by a rat. However, if there is a writer who can move past the "ewww ick rat" prejudices of most of the people here, it would be Nalini.
Besides, as Jess say Teijan's story can open a lot more possibilities and interesting conflicts that would make the HEA equally satisfying as having a dashing leopard or a dangerous wolf changeling story. Plus, it would add a refreshing POV in the changeling world. As much as I love the Leopards and the Wolves, I would want to see more of the changeling world and Teijan's story would be a good place to start.
So to end my long rambling, I think you should do it Nalini (if you want to =D). It would be a nice story to prove that it's not just the "beautiful" people who can have a happily ever after...
I think Teijan is an interesting character. It would be great to see what he got up to as a rat, spying on people. It seemed as if he had alot of respect for Nikita...wonder if anything would happen there? Would be fun to see if Nikita ended up with a changeling.
CY
Having grown up in the BA, I concede the BART stations are mostly functional. But I wanted to convey that there is more to them than long straight tubes. The stations can be structurally interesting, especially at intersections. I also want to know what the rats are up to in the long tunnel under the Bay.
I'm with Jess on the sewer thing. A sewer by deffinition is a nasty disgusting thing, but the rats don't live in the sewer, they live in tunnels and I'm sure they've made those tunnels a fascinating place. Also I don't understand the references that they would be sewage rats. This society is nearly all human! I think of Rat as their (most appropriate) moniker, as they are led by a rat and it well describes their sneaky/intelligent lifestyle.
I would love it if Nalini did a story with the rats but as I know she has many stories to tell I wouldn't be upset if she didn't :) I totally trust that I will love anything she writes.
Not doing a book on Teijan and the other Rats , feels like you are over looking pat of what makes alliance in the books so strong.
when I read your original post I immediately thought, spy, sneaky, assasin type but on the lean side. To read Jess's comments were dead on. The rat thing wouldnt bother me since I find Venom-the snake from angel series to be the hottest thing next after Dmitri
Another vote for Teijan (if the muse moves you.) A well written novella or book is never a problem to read and your stuff is awesome.
No--not for me. I cannot relate to a rat. If he mated to a human most would not get a comfortable feeling with a rat sitting on your lap saying with you saying "Hello, Darlin--can't wait to jump your hot bod" while you feed him morsels of cheese! Can't picture that-no, no. If you have kids you can count on them turning into rats? no, no. Other species may be fine though.
I'd like Teijan as a side story like Lara and Walker but i really want a story on Cooper and Grace!!!!........and Kaleb.
I see Teijan as a short story or novella more than a full length book. I'm interested, but rats aren't exactly as sexy as wolves and leopards.
I really liked Teijan more and more since he was introduced. I think that his loyalty to his pack, his determination to do what is best for them and the little bit of dangerous edge he has displayed is very attractive. I could see him in either a book or a novella, and would definitely read about it.
For example, I was not keen on angels being what they were in the Archangel series as I have not much interest in angels as love interests, but after the first book I was hooked. I think in the same way a story about Teijan would be compelling and add another perspective. since we have seen the leopard perspective, the wolf perspective, and the Psy and human, perspective, it would be interesting to see the story from yet another angle.
it would be cool because we know so little about the rats and who doesn't love an alpha?
I think that it'd be interesting, especially considering all the preconceptions (perhaps, 'connotations' is a better word) that come along with the word 'rat'.
In this case I think that his personality, as well as Nalini's writing ability, would squelch any ickiness in relation to the rat issue.
Personally, I have a yen for a horse changeling....just saying I think it'd be interesting, particularly wild horses... :)
@Danie22 omg you read my mind!!!! i really REALLY what a book written on a horse changeling during some point :L
Please nalini!!! introduce a horse changeling! :D
xx
Definitely a novella! I agree with Arlia, it would be lovely to have a different perspective...and so want to know more about Adam *grin*
I was laughing about this with hubby...I can imagine it already.
"He was perfect in every way. So strong, so intelligent, a fearless protector of his kind. His only weakness was...cheese."
My silliness aside, add my vote for Teijan.
Though I have to say I'm completely confused after reading the short story. So there's a total of only 4 rat changelings (assuming it means both the guys included), but then Zane refers to the 'kids' can getting training...Are we talking about real rats here? I found myself wondering, who makes up the 4, and with such a small number are Aneca and Zane's mate real rats? Also, there are other rat changelings in the world right? Otherwise how will they breed?
I also found it amusing that Teijan was the proud leader of actual rodents (unless I completely misread the story). I can imagine if they did go to war, the cats and wolves will be snarling and ferocious in their attack. Their backup would be a hoarde of Rats streaming out from every dark corner, gnawing at the enemies feet. The enemy would of course be Psy housewives wielding brooms, screaming and jumping on chairs...I so look forward to how Nalini can make it work. :-)
Teijan would be good, but I'd love a book on the down-low of The Ghost.
Some fun facts:
Male rats are called bucks, unmated females are called does, pregnant or parent females are called dams, and infants are called kittens or pups. A group of rats is either referred to as a pack or a mischief.
Rats can perceive ultraviolet light though are believed to be red-green colorblind.
Rats whiskers are crazy sensitive.. They cam even pick up sound!
A rat's hearing is more sensitive than our own, rats can hear softer sounds than we can and can hear up into the range of ultrasound. To give you an idea, humans can hear up to 20 kHz, but rats can hear up to 90kHz! Much of a rats communication occurs outside of our hearing range. (dogs up to 40kHz and cats up to 60)
A staggering one percent of a rats genes are dedicated to smell!
Rats packs (or mischiefs) live in colonies in burrows.
Rats only got a negative reputation because of europeans. In india for example, Ganesh rides a rat! And for the record disease like the plague came from flees...not rats.
Yes on the Rat! I love the glimpses of Teijan so far and would soo love to read his story. Personaly I'd like a story where the heroine has to beat her hero over the head before he realizes that he loves her.
Teijan provides a perfect canidate for such a story(Cough). I would also loooooove to read the stories about:
~Nikita
~Anthony
~Kaleb
~Ghost
~Kit <-
~Drew's Best friend I forgot his name.
~Adam
~One of the Hyenas
~A snake
Well the list could go on and on . . .^_^ Anything Nalini writes about I will read.
YAY to RATS! But will we ever get a Psy on Psy book? That would be very interesting as well.
Any psy/changeling story Ms. Nalini is inspired to write is a story I am willing to read! -Roxanne
yes, please! I'm really interested in the whole rat society. we've already learned about them adopting kids into the rat family - I'd love to see how their network works... and Teijan sounds very interesting
Teijan, Zane and the whole Rats changeling have a special spot in my mind since I read your free story about them in "A Conversation". The whole dynamic between Teijan's pack & the DarkRiver fascinated me. I hope you do share with us more about Teijan and his world. I'm so looking forward to read it.
I like the idea of a book with Teijan but the idea of him shifting in to a rat just makes me cringe, but I do love Teijan.
I don't care as long he is a side character.
But a rat as a main character? Nope, not for me. Not my cup of tea.
I would skip the book, just do not like rats... they give me the creeps seriously.
I'm sure others will enjoy it.
Definitely yes to Teijan!
I totally love outstanding heros and he sounds just so interesting...
The rat thing wouldn´t bother me at all, cause i think you don´t fall in love with the animal but with the person. And in this case it´s a really loyal, smart and sexy person;).
So no problem there!
Also totally agree with what someone said before, Teijan is not some wild gutter-rat, so why should someone this smart want to crawl around in a rotten pipe where it`s dark and wet...(even in his animal form). I do believe it was even mentioned in KoS that the rats had made the tunnels really comfortable. Voila, Teijan wouldn`t be forced to make out on dirty and hard stonefloors (just clean and hard ones). Or maybe he has even got his own room^^!!
But wheater Teijan gets his own story or not- in the end I`m just dying to read more about this extraordinary world and the many different people within. I`ll leave the details to Nalini Singh:) (as long as there is always a next book:D)
I would love to read something about Teijan or anyone for that matter from any of other packs/groups. There has been mention of other groups in the series and I would love to read their stories, see how they connect with the overall story, as all the stories are connected.
I would also really love to read about the trucker girl who tries to help the psy heroine (I forgot her name) in Blaze of Memory. I loved how she describes the man who saved her and how she is now in love with him but he only sees her as the girl he saved.
I think a story on Teijan would be very interesting. His animal form is not the typical predatory changeling form, but the man is so alpha he sizzles. So I am definitely for Teijan's story.
First i love the concept of Teijan as a hero. What confuses me is the assumption that everyone is making that he is small with beady eyes. I always pictured the Changling rats as man sized for some reason. I know I am dating myself but I tended to think of him as something that looks like the Teenage Mutant Turtles mentor. I mean man sized rat with human features. I agree however that he would do best in a novella. I love the idea of pairing him with NIKITA.
I think a really good short story would be about Indigo's sister and her mate.
Indigo's sister will be getting her story next this was sent on the newsletter
Holy moley - who knew how many people were turned off by rats??! I worked with rats in college - they're really awfully cute and wicked smart.
I vote for Teijan. Hot. QC-sexy (of course, given the obvious perception of rats, I'm sure that's an intentional choice on his part.)
In terms of size, remember that most non-changling falcons are small enough to perch on a human's arm yet Adam was so big that it took both Mercy *and* Riley to haul him. In fact, throughout the series, the changeling's animal forms are typically larger than the true animals. Why wouldn't rats do similar things?
I think there's a wealth of emotion to be delved into there - the whole anti-rat sentiment, etc. and how it impacts both on the rat changelings and on their human pack members (like that girl with the rat tattooed on her thumb, I think it was, from Mercy & Riley's book).
He's been a secondary character so he might not be able to support an entire novel but I definitely vote yes to Teijan.
P.S. @Barbarita - that's Indigo's aunt (Adria, her sister is Evelyn) that's next, I'm pretty sure. :)
P.P.S. I find it very funny that my word verification word for this comment is "ratisain"!
Im pretty torn about this, i love Teijan but i think the animal part does add to the sexyness and im just not sure. i think it might work but in a few books time after we have heard more about the rats and how they live. I think the main problem is that most people picture them in the sewers and we havent really heard much to make us view it differently and so when i think about it its hard to get a picture in my head of what the whole rat scene would be like.
@ PeppyPilotGirl:
I figured Teijan wasn't much bigger than a normal-sized rat, because if he were too big I think it'd be hard for him to sneak around in his animal form.
I don't know why everyone keeps mentioning 'beady eyes'; their eyes are so dark they look almost liquid, I think it's kind of cute.
I meant Indigo's aunt sorry (Adria)
I'd read a novel or novella/short story with Teijan as the main character. Even aside from the romance (which I love) it would be interesting b/c the rats seem to specialize in espionage :-)
and no one is mentioning Riley, where has he been, what has he been doing. I really like Teijan, he is the most unbiased of all. He accepts everybody I don't think the tunnels would be like a sewer it would be a magical safe place for the right mate for him.
I vote yes for a Teijan story and the right mate for him.
@Claudia - that picture is absolutely flippin' adorable! Though I actually could see that more as Clay... the leopard has this sort of puzzled "I can't believe I got conned into doing this" kind of expression!
Add my vote for Teijan as well. I would never want to encounter a rat in my kitchen, but in a novel as a hero shapeshifter, that's absolutely fine. The idea that Nalini can make a sexy hero out of a rat fascinates me.
I'm with Stitch1Peta, where's Riley? I'm hoping there's a novella in the future letting us know who won the dominance thing between him and Mercy re baby.
I was thinking last night there is one thing no one has considered why cant Teijan have a rat Changeling mate? While I know that there are only four true rats changeling in San Francisco maybe the way the rats played such a large roll in the battle of San Francisco that it will attract out of town Rats who want to live somewhere where Rats are appreciated.
What i have noticed is that Nalini is being very silent in this debate
I think a rat can be interesting - I'm thinking of scenes in Kim Harrison with shapeshifted rat and mink. Or Raphael in the Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake series. But unfortunately I don't think a rat can be really sexy.
Would Teijan change into a little bitty rat of half a pound or so? To be preyed upon by every house cat? Or would he change into something larger?
If you want to do a Teijan story I would vote for a short story and not a full length novel.
The story I would most like to read next is of the Ghost or Vasic and Aden.
I can't help but laugh at all the funny imagery I am getting from all the comments. Teijan as a 'little bitty rat' would be funny, and as 'something larger' would be quite scary...Maybe Nalini can kill off Teijan and have him reincarnate into something more generally liked, how about a fluffy bunny? Add my vote to Teijan please, honestly, I don't really care what animal he is. I just want a good story at whatever length Nalini feels is appropriate. I don't see why making it shorter makes it any different. If people had a problem with it, they won't read it...but I bet almost all of you, even those who express revulsion would not be able to help yourself.
I think mice can be cute - provided they aren't in your pantry - but I think that naked rat tail is really really ugly.
- So no - a rat is not something I would want to find in my bed.
I'm totally in camp Teijan. No one ever writes romance about a rat and that is exactly WHY Nalini should give him his own story'! Teijan as a man is fascinating enough to be, if not downright sexy, funny, sneeky and entertaining as a rat too. By the way, maybe we should stop thinking about gutter rats. There are other kind of rats too. Namely those you can keep as pets and they're really cute! ^_^
Another vote for the Pro-Teijan team! I just remembered that I read a shortstory about a shapeshifter once who turned into a platypus. Yes, you read me correctly and I'm not kidding you either. And you know what? He also got the whole "You can turn into WHAT?"- thing from left to center and potentially interested mates refused to even date him. But at the end, he found the perfect companion and came out on top off it all. And the story was damn hilarious too! So, GO TEIJAN!!!
The more I think of it the mote I'm for it. He's a great character ands it would be awesome to see how he deals with prejudice...as I noted earlier rats have some amazing talents...can cats see uv? No. rats can, cause there awesome. (got an error in posting....sorry if this doubles)
I think it would be a great way to bring the rats into view. They have been in many of your books. It would be nice to read about their world down below.
Vote for Teijan, whether he gets his own story, or a secondary story, it would be interesting to read the story and how it would play out!
I think there are so so many stories... I have only reached book 5 in the series, and am already super involved and in love with this world! I want to know everyone's stories :)
and, yes, i agree, if any one can create a paranormal romance story about rats, it is Nalini Singh!
Teijan! Teijan! Teijan! Almost every time I am on Twitter, I remind you how much I would LOVE to have Teijan's story. He has such a fantastic background with which to work. Like I have said before, you could write one for one of the anthologies to which you are asked to contribute. Then you have to worry much less about a few very unimaginative fans who cannot suspend their disbelief enough to read a story about a sexy rat alpha. Talk about lack of imagination! You, however, have a wonderful one and could definitely bring wonder and glory to Teijan's story and our lives by extension.
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